CLOU Architects: Redefining the Office as Social Infrastructure in the Hybrid Work Era

Established in 2015 by Jan Clostermann, CLOU Architects operates from Beijing and has additional offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Berlin, and Lisbon, specializing in mixed-use, commercial, cultural, and corporate designs. According to studio director Sebastian Loaiza, future workplaces should foster spontaneous dialogue and collaborative learning rather than adhere to conventional office layouts. He perceives the office as a form of social infrastructure, highlighting the importance of natural light, air quality, and areas for informal interactions. With the rise of hybrid work models, physical environments should promote human connections. Projects like The Commons Xi'an and The Box Youth Energy Center are pivotal in enhancing wellbeing and encouraging organizational culture amidst remote work challenges.